In 1975, Gene Oliver and his Leadership St. Pete (LSP) graduate friends agreed there should be a way to keep LSP graduates in communication and formed the Leadership St. Pete Alumni Association (LSPAA) as an independent 501(c) 4 organization. Gene Oliver served as President from 1975-1977.

The LSPAA was staffed each year by the current President with the assistance of his/her personal secretary and always on a volunteer basis. The LSPAA activities each year were usually in proportion to the extent the President could be involved.

In 1985, President Roy Harrell approached the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) and requested LSPAA come under the umbrella of the Chamber managed LSP. This affiliation remained until 2002 when the LSPAA became a separate entity. The Chamber continued to provide limited assistance to the LSPAA and assigned a Chamber staff member as a liaison.

In the late 80's, LSPAA agreed to begin an executive series program, FOCUS St. Pete. The LSPAA and the Chamber co-managed FOCUS St. Pete, which was a "mini" Leadership program designed for new executives in the community until the program was put on hold in 2008. The seminars included sessions on the arts, education, government, social services, environment, history of St. Petersburg, and community development. Many FOCUS presenters were LSP graduates and it was common for FOCUS participants to apply for and complete the LSP program as well.

LSPAA functions include the First Friday Forum, a monthly topical program available to interested LSPAA members, several Alumni Socials throughout the year, special evening events in conjunction with the arts in St. Pete, as well as presenting Outstanding Alumnus and Community Leadership Awards. These annual awards are given to a LSP graduate and a non-alumnus recognizing outstanding individual leadership efforts and are awarded at the annual Holiday Social.

In 2008, LSPAA launched a new website, www.LSPAA.com, as a way to promote LSP and LSPAA, and to notify LSP graduates of opportunities to keep involved with each other and in the community. In 2009, LSPAA signed a support agreement with the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership to provide access to administrative functions.

This year is the 36th anniversary of the LSPAA. LSP alumni have remained involved and supportive of LSP by serving on the Planning Committee, supplying speakers for seminars, and raising funds for scholarships to assist with LSP tuition. As of June 2011, LPSAA is proud to announce its renewed affiliation with the SPACC and welcomes the opportunity to assist with programming, fundraising and increasing enrollment to LSP.

LSPAA has been a natural leadership resource to the community with graduates represented on almost every Board or Committee in the St. Petersburg business community, Non-Profit organizations, and as elected officials in positions representing St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the State of Florida.